How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

Kitchen renovations in suburbs like Brunswick, Reservoir and Preston typically range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $60,000+ for a full structural renovation with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and appliances. We collect quotes from multiple local tradies so you can compare real prices side by side.

Are the builders and tradies VBA registered?

Yes. Every tradie we connect you with holds a current Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration. We don't list unlicensed operators. You can also verify any tradie's licence yourself at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Will I get cold-called by random tradies after submitting my details?

No. Your details are only shared with tradies who are a genuine match for your job and suburb. We don't sell your information to lead brokers or third-party lists. You choose who to engage — nothing gets passed on without your knowledge.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?

A basic bathroom renovation runs from around $8,000–$15,000. A full wet area renovation with new tiles, plumbing, waterproofing and fixtures is typically $18,000–$35,000. Getting at least two or three quotes is essential — and that's exactly what we help you do.

Do I need a building permit for a home extension in Victoria?

Most extensions over 10m² require a building permit in Victoria. Your builder is legally required to obtain it before work starts. The tradies we work with handle permits as part of the job.

How long does a kitchen or bathroom renovation actually take?

A bathroom typically takes 2–4 weeks once trades are booked. A kitchen runs 3–6 weeks depending on whether cabinetry is custom or flatpack. Extensions vary widely — a single-storey rear extension might be 10–16 weeks from permit to completion.

What areas in Melbourne do you cover?

We focus on Melbourne's northern suburbs — Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, Lalor, Pascoe Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Oak Park, Glenroy, Hadfield, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Mill Park, Thomastown, Greensborough, Eltham, Fitzroy North and Diamond Creek.

Is it actually free to get quotes through Melb Renovations?

Yes — completely free for homeowners. You describe your project, we match you with vetted local tradies, they quote you directly. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. We're paid by the tradies, not you.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Reservoir in 2026?

A budget bathroom refresh in Reservoir starts around $12,000. A mid-range renovation ranges $22,000 to $38,000. A high-end custom bathroom runs $38,000 to $60,000. Adding an ensuite typically costs $28,000 to $50,000, and adding a second bathroom $30,000 to $55,000.

Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Reservoir?

Cosmetic bathroom renovations do not require a building permit. Any work that affects waterproofing, plumbing relocation, or structural elements requires compliance with the National Construction Code and, in most cases, a building permit through a private building surveyor. Adding a new bathroom always requires a permit.

How do I find a licensed bathroom renovation builder in Reservoir?

Verify any builder's Domestic Builder licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything. Waterproofing must be carried out by a registered waterproofer. MelbRenovations connects Reservoir homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for free.

Bathroom Renovation Costs in Reservoir 2026

Reservoir is Melbourne's largest northern suburb by population and one of the most active renovation markets in the city. A generous stock of postwar weatherboards, mid-century brick veneers, and interwar homes on solid family-size blocks means Reservoir homeowners are constantly upgrading tired bathrooms — both to enjoy day to day and to add value.

Bathroom renovations are the second most common project we see in Reservoir after kitchens. Here is what they cost in 2026, what drives the price, and how to find the right builder.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Ranges in Reservoir (2026)

Project Type	Cost Range
Budget bathroom refresh	2,000 – 0,000
Mid-range bathroom renovation	2,000 – $38,000
High-end custom bathroom	$38,000 – $60,000
Ensuite addition	8,000 – $50,000
Second bathroom addition	$30,000 – $55,000

What Affects Bathroom Renovation Cost in Reservoir

Waterproofing compliance

Waterproofing is the single most important element of any bathroom renovation and the most common source of expensive future problems. All waterproofing in Victorian bathrooms must comply with AS 3740 and must be carried out by a registered waterproofer. Budget

,000 to $4,000 for compliant waterproofing done properly the first time — cutting corners here is the single biggest false economy in a bathroom renovation.

Tile selection

Tiles are the biggest visible cost driver. Basic ceramic tiles from $30 per square metre. Mid-range porcelain from $60 to

20 per square metre. Premium large-format porcelain, natural stone, or feature tiles from

50 to $400 per square metre. A typical Reservoir bathroom needs 25 to 40 square metres of tile including walls and floor. Labour to lay tiles runs $70 to

30 per square metre depending on tile size and format.

Vanity and joinery

An off-the-shelf vanity from $600 to

,000. Semi-custom from

,500 to $5,000. Full custom joinery with stone tops from $5,000 to

2,000. Custom joinery makes the biggest visual difference in a small bathroom and is often worth the spend.

Structural changes for new bathrooms

Adding a new bathroom or ensuite involves extending plumbing and waste, running new electrical, framing walls, and integrating with existing structure. The plumbing rough-in alone typically adds $5,000 to

0,000 over a like-for-like renovation. Reservoir's older weatherboard and brick veneer homes are generally straightforward to modify structurally, keeping costs reasonable relative to inner-city period homes.

Tapware, fixtures, and shower screens

Budget tapware packages from $800. Mid-range from

,000 to $4,000. Premium from $5,000 to

2,000. A frameless shower screen from

,200 to

,500. Freestanding baths from

,500 to $6,000.

Does a Bathroom Renovation Add Value in Reservoir

Yes — and adding a second bathroom in particular delivers strong ROI in Reservoir. Many of the suburb's original postwar and interwar family homes were built with a single bathroom, which is a significant handicap in today's family buyer market. Adding a second bathroom or ensuite typically returns more than its cost at sale and dramatically widens the pool of interested buyers.

Even a straightforward renovation of an existing bathroom removes the "we'll have to redo the bathroom" discount that buyers apply mentally at inspection. For owner-occupiers, any uplift in value is exempt from capital gains tax when you sell — a fully tax-free return.

Finding a Bathroom Renovation Builder in Reservoir

Any builder carrying out structural bathroom work in Victoria must hold a current Domestic Builder licence. Check any builder's licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing. Confirm public liability insurance of at least $5 million, ensure the waterproofer is registered, and always get a detailed written quote covering scope, inclusions, exclusions, timeline, and payment schedule.

MelbRenovations connects Reservoir homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for bathroom renovations — completely free, no obligation, no cold calls.

Ready to Get Bathroom Renovation Quotes in Reservoir

Submit a free quote request and we will match you with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for your Reservoir bathroom renovation.